Power operated tooth brush



Feb. 2, 1937', I

' J. c. HYDE POWE R OPERATED TOOTH BRUSH Filed'Feb. l4, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I nvenlor 4.; g A Home}? Feb. 2; 1937. I c, 2,069,581

POWER OPERATED -'1OO"IH BRUSH Filed Feb. 14, 1936 Y 2 Sheets-Shet z Patented Feb. 2, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE This invention pertains to that classification of structures assembled or grouped under the subdivision of dental appliances and machines and has reference in particular to an electric motordriven toothbrush workable to advantage in the home for individual and daily usage. That the art to which the invention relates h been well worked and is characterized by similar structures, is a fact which cannot be doubted. o Notwithstanding this general state of the prior art to which'the invention relates, I have, after due deliberation and consideration, provided an appreciably distinct brush construction which is calculated to obtain the desired end or result through the instrumentality of well chosen structural adaptations mutually coacting to provide requisite features of refinement and improvement.

It goes without saying that my primary objective is to generally improve upon similar marketed and patented dental brushes by providing a proportionately new assemblage, wherein the essential novelty is directed to the mechanism utilized in the construction and perfection of the brush per se with the end in view of utilizing appropriately selected details which, when assem- 40 lustrating the mechanism selected to construct the improved toothbrush.

Figure 3 is a detail view, primarily in elevation, of the brush accommodation and drive shaft or mandrel.

Figure 4 is a cross section, on an enlarged scal taken approximately on the plane of the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figures 5, 6, and 7 'are perspective views of certain of the complemental parts and acces- 50 sories.

Figures 8 and 9 are elevational views of modified styles or types of toothbrushes usable in the special holder.

Referring now to the drawings by distinguishing reference numerals, it wfll be observed that the portable electric motor is indicated by the numeral ID. This is of a type, universal in character, to adapt it'for domestic or home use. .The flexible drive shaft, which may be of any construction,..is indicated by the numeral II and is connected to the motor through the instrumentality of proper speed-reducing gearing means l2 (notillustrated in detail). On the free end of that the-essential novelty is in the holder or handle means which serves to accommodate it. Moreover, different types of toothbrushes may be used such as for example those indicated by the numerals l6 and H in Figures 8 and 9. In each instance the brush includes a driving stem l8 and an appropriate bristle or otherwise constructed head l9.

Considering the structure so far detailed, it is observed that the novelty in general may reside in the combination of the motor shaft and brush and its holder,,though the principal novelty is predicated upon the construction of the holder,

itself. Referring then to Figure 2, it is to be noted that the tubular casing 20 is utilized as a mechanism housing as well as the operating and controlling handle. This is truly cylindrical'and open at its opposite ends. Intermediate its ends it is formed with an internal. annulus 2! which defines a bearing for the driven shaft or mandrel 22. At the lower end ilfl F e 2 the shell is counterbored to form a socket to accommodate the various parts contained therein. One part is the bushing 23 against which the headed end 24 of the shaft bears. Incidentally, this headed end is formed with a socket 25 to accommodate the operating key M. Correlated with the bushing and head assemblage is a special fitting or adapter 26 which is slipped into the lower end of the. tubular shell or casing and held in place by ascrew or similar fastening 21. This has a central bore and a double socket. The inner socket 28" 20 against the retention shoulder. Then the shaft plying and removing tooth brushes.

safety feature which contributes materially to the success of the invention and makes it sub stantially fool-proof.

- The chuck is rendered effective through the instrumentality ofa clamping collar :1, which collar is formed with a tapered screw-threaded socket for expansion and contraction of l the grips of the chuck.. The collar is made to fit completely within the housing or casing 2.. It

is formed with spanner wrench sockets II to accommo'date the pins 35 on the simple spanner wrench 36 shown in Figure 6. This comprises a knurled finger-grip 31 havingan accommodation notch ll to accommodate the stem of the brush.

This provides a convenient means of adjustin the collar 33 to facilitate application and removal of the toothbrush II.

It is evident that the mechanism selected to form the holder for'the toothbrush is united so that the various features mutually cooperate in providing the desired continuity and safety of operation. This appropriate selection and adaptation provides a sturdy and reliable brush holder. It makes for simplicity, economy, and efficiency. Under the circumstances it ,is becooperable with the lieved that this mm of; holder m m constitute a novel contribution to the art and trade whose features of refinement and adaptability maybe unqualifiedly endorsed It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be Therefore, a more lengthy description is thought un- Whilethe preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown 'and described, it is to be understood that minor changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired." v p I claim:

A power-operated toothbrush comprising a. holder including an open-ended tubular cylinder.

forming a comblnedhandle and mechanism casing and-provided on its interior intermediate its ends withan annulus, constituting a bearing and provided at one end with a cotmter-bore, a bushing fitted into the coimter-bored end of the cylinder and abutting the shoulder formed through the instrumentality of said counter bore, said bushing being of such a cross-sectional diameter that the bore thereof matches the bore in said bearing, a mandrel confinedin said cylinder and mounted for rotation in the bushing and bearing, said mandrel being provided with a brush clamping chuck, the drivenend of'the mandrel extending outwardly beyond the bushing and having an outstanding abutment flange in rotating contact with said bushing, an adapter collar fitted into the counter-bored end of the cylinder and in contact with said flange and constructed to accommodate a flexible driving shaft.

- JOHN C. HYDE. 

